Varan Komodo is an amazing and truly unique animal, which is not without reason called the dragon. The largest of the existing lizards spends most of the time hunting. It is the object of pride of the islanders and the ongoing interest of tourists.
Our article will tell about the life of this dangerous predator, the features of its behavior and the characteristics characteristic of the species.
Appearance
Photos of Komodo monitor lizards given in our article help to understand why locals nicknamed this reptile a land crocodile. These animals are really comparable in size.
Most Komodo adult lizards reach a length of 2.5 meters, while their weight barely exceeds half a centner. But among the giants there are champions. There is reliable information about the Komodo dragon, the length of which exceeded 3 meters, and weight reached 150 kg.
Only a specialist can visually distinguish a male from a female. Sexual dimorphism is practically not expressed, but male monitor lizards are usually a bit more massive. But to determine which of the two monitor lizards is older in age, any tourist who arrives on the island for the first time will be able to: young growth is always colored brighter. In addition, folds and leathery growths form on the dull skin with age.
The body of the monitor lizard is squat, stocky, with very powerful limbs. The tail is mobile and strong. Paws crowned with huge claws.
The huge jaws look menacing even when the monitor lizard is calm. Nimble forked language, now and then emerging from it, many eyewitnesses call creepy and frightening.
History
Giant monitor lizards on Komodo Island were first discovered at the beginning of the twentieth century. Since then, scientists have continued to explore the species.
It is established that the history of the development and evolution of monitor lizards is associated with Australia. The species separated from its historical ancestor about 40 million years ago, then emigrated to the distant mainland and nearby islands.
Later, the population shifted to the islands of Indonesia. Perhaps this is due to natural phenomena or a decrease in the populations of species of food interest to monitor lizards. In any case, the fauna of Australia only benefited from such relocation - many species literally escaped from extinction. But Indonesian dwarf elephants were not lucky: many scientists associate their extinction with predators of the genus Varanus.
The largest lizard of our time safely mastered new territories and feels great.
Behavior features
Lizards lead a daytime lifestyle, and prefer to sleep at night. Like the rest of the cold-blooded, they are sensitive to temperature extremes. The time for hunting begins at dawn. Leading a solitary lifestyle, monitor lizards are not averse to joining forces during the pursuit of game.
It may seem that Komodo lizards are clumsy fat men, but this is far from the case. These animals are unusually hardy, mobile and strong. They are able to reach speeds of up to 20 km / h, and during their run, as they say, the earth trembles. No less confident dragons feel in the water: to swim to the neighboring island is not a problem for them. Sharp nails, strong muscles and a tail-balancer help these animals to climb trees and steep rocks perfectly. Needless to say, how difficult is it to flee from the lizard to the victim, on which he laid his eyes?
Dragon life
Adult Komodo monitor lizards live separately from each other. But once a year the pack converges. The period of love and the creation of families begins with bloody battles in which it is impossible to simply lose. A fight can end either in victory or in death from wounds.
No other animal is dangerous for a monitor lizard. In their natural habitat, these animals do not know anyone more than themselves. People do not hunt them either. Only another dragon can kill a dragon.
Mating games of the titans
The lizard who defeats the opponent can choose a girlfriend with whom he will lead the kids. The couple will equip the nest, the female will guard the eggs for about eight months, which small predators can encroach on. By the way, relatives also would like to enjoy such a delicacy. But as soon as the babies are born, their mother will leave. They will have to survive on their own, relying only on the ability to disguise themselves and run.
Permanent lizards do not form pairs. The next mating season will start from scratch - that is, with new battles in which more than one dragon will die.
Varan Komodo on the hunt
This animal is a real killing machine. Giant lizards of Komodo Island can even attack those who are significantly larger than them, for example, buffalo. After the death of the victim comes a feast. Lizards eat carcasses, tearing and swallowing huge pieces.
It is noteworthy that most predators prefer one thing - either fresh meat or carrion. The digestive system of the monitor is able to cope with both. Giants are happy to feast on the carcasses brought by the sea.
Deadly poison
Powerful jaws, muscles and claws are not the only weapons of the monitor. The real gem of the arsenal is unique saliva. It contains not only huge doses of pathogenic microflora (probably obtained by eating carrion), but also poison.
For a long time, scientists were convinced that the death of a bitten victim comes from banal sepsis. But the presence of toxic glands has recently been established. The amount of poison is small, instant death causes only small animals. But the dose received is enough to start irreversible processes.
Lizards are not only great tactics, but also delightful strategists. They know how to wait, sometimes wandering around the victim for 2-3 weeks and watching how she slowly dies.
Coexistence with humans
A logical question arises as to whether Komodo lizard can kill a woman, a man or a teenager? The answer, unfortunately, is positive. The mortality of a bite of a monitor lizard exceeds 90%. Poison is especially dangerous for the child.
But modern medicine has an antidote. Therefore, in the event of an unsuccessful attempt to make friends with a monitor lizard, you must immediately go to the hospital. The death of a person from a bite in our time is not such a common phenomenon. As a rule, it occurs if a person hopes that he can cope with an ailment. Doctors strongly recommend not taking risks, human immunity is not designed for such loads as the poison of an exotic lizard.
This should be remembered not only by tourists, but also by those who decided to settle an unusual pet at home. In the intensive care unit of a district hospital, the necessary antidote may simply not be available, so a preliminary consultation with a competent breeder is extremely necessary.
